Chongqing has reason to be proud, but not complacent

Spicy hotpot in Chongqing, originated in the 19th century, has enjoyed increasing popularity among diners at home and abroad. Photos Provided to China Daily

“The 12.2 percent average growth rate shows that Chongqing’s economy is sound and steady,” said Yi Xiaoguang, the director of the Chongqing Economic Information Center.

“Chongqing is among the fastest growing areas in China.”

And the city’s real estate market has not gone crazy like other big cities. Chongqing's average residential housing price was 6,778 yuan per sq m, ranking 24th among 31 major Chinese cities, according to real estate market data provider cityre.cn .

So, should Chongqing people be proud of their city based on these achievements?

Of course we should. But we must be aware that this complacency has made us close-minded and lazy, like a frog in warm water.

Last month, on the 18th birthday of this municipality, the China Economic Herald published an article saying in addition to economic development, Chongqing needs more of an opening-up attitude and to establish a unique culture.

It quoted a Mr. Guo as saying that “Chongqing people enjoy their comfortable life so much that they don’t pay much attention to the outside world.” Guo, from Shandong province, went to university in Chongqing and then worked for a few years here as a journalist before he left for Beijing for more working opportunities.

“The easy life is eroding people’s spirit here,” Guo added.

Liu Tao from neighboring Hubei province told the newspaper that Chongqing, a city boasting an illustrious history stretching back millennia, has not cared much to develop its own culture and lift the level of public civility.

Those comments from outsiders sounded harsh but so true. As the youngest municipality in China, Chongqing still has a long way to go to become a true cosmopolitan city.

As a proud Chongqinger, I really need to cure my Chongqing-is-the-best syndrome.